Tributes

Edith Pearl Bembry Outterbridge was born on September 24, 1943, in Greenville, NC at Pitt Memorial Hospital to the late Clarence L. Bembry and Gleanor Bell Bembry. She was raised in the Falkland community where she resided until her health declined. Edith graduated from HB Sugg High School in Farmville, NC in 1960 and attended Elizabeth City Teacher’s College for 2 years before getting homesick and returning to Falkland. Edith gained employment at Burroughs Wellcome a few years before accepting a position as a skilled nurse at Dr. Andrew A. Best’s office. She stayed in that position for over 20 years. Being in this position afforded Edith the opportunity to meet “everybody” in Greenville! After leaving Dr. Best’s office, Edith went on to pursue a career at Martin County Community Action-Pitt County Branch. She worked there as an Employment Counselor, and she stayed in that role until her retirement in the late 1990’s. Edith joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Falkland at an early age and served eagerly in the church until her health would not permit her to do so. Edith served in various roles in the church with one of her proudest moments being founding the J.R. Person Young Adult Choir with the assistance of Maggie Gorham; the choir later became the St. John Young Adult Choir. Edith also started annual Christmas dinners and facilitated the first Rainbow tea in her church. Last but not least, Edith found much joy in planning the annual 3-day Homecoming events for years and years. Not only was Edith active in her home church, but she also served over 20 years as a musician for Mt. Gethsemane in Bethel, NC, where she gained a host of lifelong friends. After retirement, Edith became a member of OES – Order of the Eastern Star; she served in the Washington Chapter. Edith also decided to further her education in retirement, and she enrolled at Pitt Community College and obtained a Human Services Tech Diploma. Some of Edith’s favorite pastimes were cheering on the UNC Tar Heels men’s basketball team and attending Farmville Central High School basketball games. Her favorite football team was the Dallas Cowboys; she was a die-hard fan! Edith’s faith was her firm foundation, and she nurtured her family with the same love and care. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and family. Edith leaves to cherish her memories her daughters: Dana Streeter Dawson of Greenville, NC, Monique Bembrey Thomas (Ritchie) of Winterville, NC; her son, Darawin Hayes Streeter of Falkland, NC; one sister, Annie B. Hughey of Greenville, NC; one brother, James Bembrey (Linda) of Greenville; 4 granddaughters, Lauren Dawson, Morgan Price (William), Sydney Williams, and Loreal Thomas; 3 grandsons, Pierre Westmoreland, Mark Westmoreland, and Logan Dawson; 6 great-grands, Na’Kyla, Keyleigh, Nova, XiaMarie, Jahkerion, and Khani; 5 Goddaughters, Edith Streeter Blow, JaFana Ghita Harris, Carolynne Barfield, Anette Williams, and Twana Wilkins; special caretakers, Edith Streeter Blow, Annette Carney, Evonne Barnes, Maggie “Lucy” Mitchell, Terry Worrell, Magdalene Whitehead, Pruitt Health Staff; a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends.

Tributes

Ms. Edith Pearl Outterbridge

September 24, 1943 - November 19, 2024